Defending Dissent

Since 2009, CLEAR has been on the front lines of protecting our communities. We have firmly defended our people’s ability to speak out, organize, and challenge injustices. Today, that work is more urgent than ever.

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CURRENT MOMENT

Over the past year, clients like Mahmoud Khalil, Leqaa Kordia, Mohsen Mahdawi, Rümeysa Öztürk, and Yunseo Chung have been targeted as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

These cases are not isolated. They reflect a troubling pattern of government practices that attempt to silence those who speak out against harmful policies, particularly within Muslim, Arab, South Asian, Black, and other heavily surveilled communities.

WHAT WE DO

At CLEAR, we represent individuals and organizations facing investigation, prosecution, or other forms of government scrutiny that are tied to their beliefs, associations, or advocacy.

Our cases challenge unconstitutional surveillance, discriminatory enforcement, and abuses of power, while also defending clients in high-stakes, often precedent-setting litigation.

But our work doesn’t stop in the courtroom. We partner directly with communities to build knowledge and resilience through Know Your Rights workshops, equipping people with the tools they need to navigate law enforcement encounters, protect their rights at the border, and respond to law enforcement agency questioning.

We also provide individualized legal advice and representation to those facing urgent threats, often traveling to meet clients where they are — in detention centers, at airports, or in their homes.

GROWING NEED

As the demand for our services continues to grow, so does the scope of our work. We are seeing an increasing number of individuals targeted for their speech and advocacy, and we are preparing to meet that need — including by expanding our legal team with an additional attorney.

YOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Your support during this time will help us:

  • Defend individuals targeted for their speech, beliefs, and associations.

  • Challenge unconstitutional government practices through impact litigation.

  • Provide Know Your Rights workshops to communities facing heightened scrutiny.

  • Travel to support and represent clients.

  • Cover the significant costs of litigation and court proceedings.

  • Grow our team to meet the rising demand for legal defense.

At this critical moment, defending dissent is not abstract. It is immediate, urgent, and essential for all Americans. Your support ensures that when people speak out, they have the legal protection they need — and that the rights we all depend on are defended for the future.

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